PADI Tec 40 Training in Thailand
Khao Lak, Thailand Delivered by Ed Bosworth (Professional Diver Training) in partnership with Go2Similan Diving, Khao Lak
TEC 40 Course Overview
The PADI Tec 40 course is the official entry point into technical diving within the PADI TecRec program, designed for experienced recreational divers ready to progress beyond no-decompression limits.
Tec 40 bridges the gap between recreational scuba diving and technical decompression diving, introducing limited decompression dives, structured technical dive planning, and advanced gas management using enriched air nitrox.
During the course, divers learn to plan and execute decompression dives to a maximum depth of 40 metres, manage decompression obligations using enriched air nitrox up to 50%, and dive with full technical equipment redundancy.
Training is conducted by Ed Bosworth, supported by the experienced technical team at Go2Similan Diving in Khao Lak. The course combines theory, land drills, confined-water skills and open-water training dives to build discipline, awareness and confidence in real technical diving environments.
Source: PADI Tec 40 Course Overview
What You Will Learn
Technical Diving Skills & Procedures
The Tec 40 course develops the core skills required for safe technical decompression diving, including:
- Planning and executing limited decompression dives
- Use of enriched air nitrox up to 50% as a decompression gas
- Technical dive planning using manual tools and decompression software
- Gas management and consumption tracking
- Controlled ascent procedures and decompression stops
- Team diving procedures and situational awareness
These skills form the foundation of all further training within the PADI TecRec program.
Source: PADI TecRec Program Skills Development
Decompression Theory, Gas Planning & Awareness
A major focus of Tec 40 is understanding how decompression diving works in practice.
You will learn:
- Core decompression theory and exposure management
- Relationship between depth, time and decompression obligation
- Oxygen exposure limits and gas density considerations
- Planning decompression stops using technical dive software
- Managing decompression gas cylinders
- Safe and disciplined gas switch procedures
Training dives reinforce how planning errors can escalate during multi-stop decompression dives, building strong technical habits from the start.
Source: PADI TecRec Decompression & Gas Planning
Dive Planning & Equipment Configuration
Tec 40 introduces divers to full open-circuit technical diving equipment and redundancy.
Training may be completed in:
- Backmount double cylinders, or
- Sidemount configuration, depending on future Tec goals
You will dive using:
- Twin cylinders or sidemount tanks
- One decompression cylinder
- Long-hose regulator configuration
- Redundant buoyancy systems
- Multi-gas dive computers or depth gauge and timing devices
Equipment configuration focuses on simplicity, accessibility and team awareness while preparing divers for progression to Tec 45 and Tec 50.
Source: PADI Tec Equipment & Configuration Guide
Emergency Procedures & Team Diving
Technical diving relies on disciplined team diving, not solo decision-making.
During Tec 40 you will practise:
- Team positioning and underwater communication
- Gas-sharing and bailout procedures
- Handling regulator failures and gas loss
- Managing task loading during decompression
- Controlled responses to simulated emergencies
Training emphasises calm decision-making and structured problem solving while managing decompression stress.
Source: PADI Technical Diving Safety Standards
Course Schedule & Training Dives
The Tec 40 course typically includes:
- Confined-water technical skills sessions
- Open-water technical training dives
- Planned limited decompression dives
- Maximum depth: 40 metres
- Use of enriched air nitrox up to 50%
- Duration: typically 3–4 days, depending on conditions and student progress
All dives are conducted under close instructor supervision with conservative planning.
Source: PADI Tec 40 Course Structure
Price
Tec 40 Course – 24,000 THB
Included
- All technical training with Ed Bosworth
- Boat fees and logistics with Go2Similan Diving
- Cylinders, gas fills and weights
- Certification processing
- Use of training materials
- Small group ratios for safety and quality
Not Included
- Accommodation in Khao Lak
- Multi-gas dive computer (rental available)
- Personal dive insurance
- Accommodation in Khao Lak
- Multi-gas dive computer (rental available)
- Personal dive insurance
Prerequisites
To enrol in the PADI Tec 40 course, you must have:
- PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent)
- PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- Minimum 30–50 logged dives (as per PADI standards)
- Minimum age 18 years
- A current diver medical form if required
Prerequisites are assessed against current PADI TecRec standards.
Source: PADI Tec 40 Prerequisites
TecRec Training Pathway After Tec 40
Tec 40 is the foundation of the PADI TecRec pathway. After certification, divers typically progress to:
- Tec 45 – deeper decompression and increased task loading
- Tec 50 – full technical decompression certification
- Tec Trimix 65 – introduction of trimix gas
- Tec Trimix 90 – expedition-level technical diving
Each level builds directly on Tec 40 fundamentals.
Source: PADI TecRec Course Pathway
Why Train with Ed Bosworth & Go2Similan Diving?- Highly personalised coaching
- Small group ratios
- Conservative, structured training philosophy
- Flexible backmount or sidemount options
- Access to ideal technical training environments in Khao Lak
- Clear progression into Tec 45, Tec 50 and Trimix training
- Highly personalised coaching
- Small group ratios
- Conservative, structured training philosophy
- Flexible backmount or sidemount options
- Access to ideal technical training environments in Khao Lak
- Clear progression into Tec 45, Tec 50 and Trimix training
Frequently Asked Questions – Tec 40
Is Tec 40 a technical diving course?
Yes. Tec 40 is the first level of technical diving within the PADI TecRec system and introduces limited decompression diving and technical equipment.
How deep do you dive on Tec 40?
The maximum training depth is 40 metres, with planned limited decompression.
Is Tec 40 suitable for recreational divers?
Tec 40 is designed for experienced recreational divers with strong buoyancy and awareness who want to progress beyond no-decompression limits.
Do I need my own technical equipment?
Some equipment may be required. Configuration and rental options are discussed before the course.
What comes after Tec 40?
Most divers progress to Tec 45, then Tec 50, followed by trimix training.
Book Your Tec 40 Course Below
Tec 40 is where technical diving habits are formed. Training places are limited to maintain safety and quality.
Contact Professional Diver Training to check upcoming Tec 40 dates, availability and equipment requirements in Thailand.